Actress-comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto voluntarily surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) early Wednesday following the issuance of an arrest warrant by a Pasay court in connection with securities-related charges.
Quinto arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 aboard a Philippine Airlines flight from San Francisco, California, at around 5 a.m., accompanied by her family. The surrender was coordinated in advance by her legal counsel, according to NAIA-NBI Chief Jimmy De Leon.
Upon her arrival, Quinto underwent a medico-legal examination before being escorted to the Pasay court handling her case. Quinto faces 14 counts of alleged violations of Section 8 of the Securities Regulation Code, which prohibits the sale of securities, such as shares and investments, without a registration statement approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The charges stem from her endorsement of Dermacare-Beyond Skin Care Solutions, a company flagged by the SEC for unauthorized investment solicitation.
Quinto’s legal representative, Atty. Mary Louise Reyes, clarified that her client’s involvement with Dermacare was limited to being a brand ambassador.
“She will face those charges… mag-voluntary surrender siya and magpo-post po kami ng bail for that. She’s worried kasi hindi naman totoo ‘yung allegations kasi my client po is just a brand ambassador, a model-endorser,” Reyes said.
Reyes added that Quinto did not receive any payments from clients and had no role in financial transactions. “Ni hindi sa kanya nakapagbayad ng downpayment, tapos ‘yung mga tseke po puro tumalbog. Lahat po ‘yan hawak naman po namin ‘yung ebidensya, ipe-present naming sa court,” she noted.
In September 2023, the SEC released an advisory warning the public against Dermacare-Beyond Skin Care Solutions, stating that the company was not registered to sell securities or solicit investments. The advisory also indicated that promoters, endorsers, and sales agents involved with the company could face legal action.
The comedienne is expected to post bail as her legal team prepares for upcoming court proceedings.
